Ady Suleiman prepares for Bestival return

PLAYING what was somewhat of an unofficial after-party to Elton John's event closer last year was an unexpected career highlight for soul star Ady Suleiman, who says Bestival is his favourite festival of the season.

For the second year running, Ady, of Mapperley Park Drive, Carrington, will be seducing the audiences at the fancy-dress extravaganza which this year boasts none other than Beck, Outkast, Chic's Nile Rodgers and Foals as headliners.

"There is so much going on at Bestival, it's amazing. It's not just music but comedy and cabaret too. It makes it feel more like a smaller Glastonbury and it has got such a great vibe," says the 22-year-old.

"Last year, I was a bit nervous but I was mainly excited to play. I had been to Bestival the year before and just loved it, so it was a real privilege to be on stage.

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"I played just after Elton John on a different stage so wasn't sure many people would come but loads of people, as they passed by, dropped in and stayed to watch. I had a pretty big crowd by the end and it was a really good feeling."

This year's theme for the four-day festival is desert island disco but Ady isn't sure yet whether he will be getting dressed up in Hawaiian attire or a John Travolta jumpsuit.

He said: "I like getting dressed up but really I just want to concentrate on my performance. If I wasn't playing, I would be doing the whole fancy-dress thing but I think it might be a distraction for me on the day."

Ady plays the Big Top stage at noon on Friday and for the first time he will be joined by a guitarist and a drummer. He said: "It should be quite a different sound because I am used to playing on my own. I am going to release a new EP later this year, so that's what I am working towards. My main focus is writing at the moment."

Releasing an as-yet-untitled EP will be the icing on the cake for Ady who, this year, has already played Love Box, YNot? and Summer Soul festivals as well as supporting Delilah at Union Chapel in London.

"It has been a pretty busy summer and I've played quite a few festivals but Bestival is my favourite."

Gracing the stages at the festival in Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight, are fellow Nottingham musicians, Indiana, Gorgeous Chans, London Grammar and Harleighblu.

Festival curators Josie and Rob da Bank will be attempting to break the Guinness World Record for biggest disco ball, hoping to smash the current record of is 9.98 metres.

Disco ball creator Rob da Bank said: "We've built a beauty and we're certain this disco ball is a record-breaker. So certain, in fact, that we've invited the nice people from Guinness World Records to come and confirm it. Don't miss out on an historic part of Bestival lore and join us next weekend to see if we really are record-breakers."